On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11.30 a.m., Joseph Gallivan interviews curator Carolyn Supinka about the show Designing Nature, which is on now at Portland Japanese Garden through February 23, 2026. The show explains the six distinct styles of Japanese gardens that developed over 1,500 years, and shows how Portland’s garden compares with some of the world’s greatest. Supinka talks to Joseph about the architectural models of the garden used in the show, the basic garden elements of water, plant, and stone, and artworks such as the large-scale waterfall painting by nihonga painter Hiroshi Senju, and contemporary bamboo sculptures.
Carolyn Supinka is the Assistant Director of Exhibitions at the Garden.
From the press release:
Japanese gardens are living expressions of harmony—where nature is shaped by human hands and guided by the heart. Designing Nature invites you to explore the history, traditions, and philosophies behind this timeless art form—revealing the depth, intention, and beauty that define Japanese garden design. Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment of reflection, a deeper connection to the natural world, or a spark of creative inspiration, the Garden welcomes all who enter.
This exhibition represents a collaboration between Portland Japanese Garden’s two curators:
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Aki Nakanishi, Director of Japan Institute and Arlene Schnitzer Curator of Culture, Art, and Education
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Hugo Torii, Garden Curator and Director of the Japanese Garden Training Center
Pavilion Gallery
As you enter the Pavilion Gallery, you’ll step back in time through a visual journey of the six distinct styles of Japanese gardens that developed over 1500 years. Informed by a deep reverence for the natural world, Japanese garden designers worked in harmony with nature rather than creating artificial spaces.
Scale miniatures by architectural model maker, Aimee Eng, shed light on Portland Japanese Garden’s design, while insight about techniques and required maintenance is revealed through a video and quotations from the gardeners.
Learn how the three basic garden elements of water, plant, and stone have inspired a tapestry of creativity across the ages. Featuring a large-scale waterfall painting of contemporary nihonga painter Hiroshi Senju, a bamboo sculpture from Chikuunsai Tanabe IV and acclaimed artist Honda Syoryu from the collection of Peter Shinbach, and a selection of suiseki, landscape scene stones, from the collection of Andrew and Jeffrey Robson.
https://japanesegarden.org/events/designing-nature-elements-of-harmony/
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Joseph Gallivan has been a reporter since 1990. He has covered music for the London Independent, Technology for the New York Post, and arts and culture for the Portland Tribune and for Axios Portland. He is the author of two novels, "Oi, Ref!" and "England All Over" which are available lightly used.
He is a TriMet bus operator. Smile and say hello on the 17, but please stay behind the yellow line.